Toxic substances list: polychlorinated dibenzofurans

Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans) are highly persistent compounds with a strong affinity for sediments and a high potential for accumulating in biological tissues. They have been found in all compartments of the ecosystem, including: air, water, soil, sediments, animals and foods. Dioxins and furans enter the environment as complex mixtures from four major sources: commercial chemicals (eg. pentachlorophenol); incineration; pulp and paper mills that use chlorine bleaching; and both accidental fires and spills involving polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, which contain principally furan contaminants).

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